The 5 Best Brunches Around Vail Valley

Brunch in the Vail Valley can mean anything from a Dutch baby pancake fresh from the oven to a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast pizza or a plate of eggs Benedict accompanied by Champagne. Local restaurants put their own spin on the late-morning tradition, combining classic breakfast favorites with creative dishes, specialty cocktails and inviting mountain settings. Diners can settle into a French-style bistro, watch cooks prepare meals at a diner counter or gather with friends over pancakes and oversized Bloody Marys. Whether the occasion calls for a leisurely weekend meal or a satisfying start to a mountain adventure, these establishments offer something beyond the everyday breakfast routine. The Best of Vail Valley recognizes brunch restaurants that bring distinctive flavors and dining experiences to the region.

Citrea

Citrea brings Mediterranean influences to brunch in Beaver Creek Village, where Executive Chef Ryan Little incorporates Colorado ingredients into a menu of contemporary dishes. Selections include tomato shakshouka with house-made pita, barbecue lamb Benedict with hollandaise and breakfast pizza topped with pimento cheese, bacon and scrambled eggs. Guests seeking sweeter options can order brioche French toast with mixed berries and maple ice cream or a fruit bowl with Greek yogurt and granola. The restaurant's patio overlooks the village ice rink, providing a scenic setting for a relaxed late-morning meal.

Vintage

Vintage brings the atmosphere of a French brasserie to Vail Village, specializing in Champagne brunch and classic European-inspired cuisine. Its menu features several variations of eggs Benedict, including Maryland crab Benedict with Old Bay hollandaise and a meat-and-potatoes version served over bacon smashbrowns. Other specialties include puff-pastry galettes filled with savory ingredients, huckleberry bacon French toast and freshly prepared pastries. With its French-inspired dining room, cocktail selections and extensive wine offerings, Vintage provides a setting for both casual brunch gatherings and special occasions.

Westside Cafe

Westside Cafe has served American comfort food in West Vail since 2002, building its brunch menu around hearty portions and inventive variations of traditional breakfast dishes. Guests can choose from eggs Benedict, chicken-fried steak, corned beef hash and biscuits with sausage gravy, along with sweeter selections such as Cap'n Crunch French toast. The restaurant also offers omelets, breakfast skillets and pancakes, giving diners plenty of options for a substantial morning meal. Its oversized Bloody Marys, including versions prepared with house-infused bacon and spicy vodkas, have become a distinctive part of the brunch experience.

The Little Diner

The Little Diner in Lionshead Village specializes in made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch dishes, with an open kitchen that allows guests to watch their meals take shape. One of its signature offerings is the Pannekoeken, a German-style pancake baked to order until it develops a light, airy texture. The menu also includes Jim Little's Famous Eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash and a selection of sweet and savory crepes. Since opening in 2008, the family-owned restaurant has maintained its emphasis on traditional cooking techniques and familiar American diner favorites.

The Milk Breakfast

The Milk Breakfast in Eagle offers a contemporary approach to morning dining, pairing comforting dishes with fresh ingredients and creative combinations. Its menu includes red berry pancakes with homemade fruit compote and blueberry-banana pancakes accompanied by Greek yogurt, honey and granola. The restaurant's signature toast trio features three sourdough preparations topped with berry compote, smoked salmon and avocado with ricotta and fresh herbs. With breakfast and lunch service, The Milk provides a welcoming setting for diners seeking a leisurely meal or a fresh take on familiar brunch favorites.

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